“Everyone deserves to be treated fairly no matter where they’re from, no matter their education, no matter their background. If they have had some aspect of their health or their independence taken from them, there’s nothing more important than standing up for them.” ~ Tom Sinas
Thomas G. Sinas
Tom Sinas is a trial lawyer who has spent his career serving the public and advocating for the injured. As a partner at Sinas Dramis Law Firm, he manages the firm’s downtown Grand Rapids office and is dedicated to serving his home community of West Michigan.
While Tom’s expertise is far-reaching, he focuses his practice primarily on personal injury and wrongful death litigation, auto negligence cases, and Michigan auto no-fault law. In particular, he helps ensure individuals involved in Grand Rapids car accidents are on a level playing field with the insurance companies on the other side of a case. Over the years, Tom has acquired a unique skillset working with those suffering from spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
A tenacious and compassionate attorney, Tom has acquired an outstanding reputation in West Michigan and beyond. In 2020, he was both the youngest and the only West Michigan attorney named a “Top 10 Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Lawyer” in Michigan by Leading Lawyers. In 2021, Tom was voted the “Best Personal Injury Attorney in Grand Rapids” by readers of the Grand Rapids Magazine and Grand Rapids Business Journal.
Tom’s journey to his current position gave him opportunities to develop a unique perspective on being a lawyer.
“I grew up not only as the son and grandson of leaders of this law firm, but also surrounded by many of the lawyers with whom I now have the privilege of working alongside. Those lawyers taught me two key lessons: first, there is nothing more valuable than one’s good health, and, second, there is no greater privilege as a lawyer than advocating for those whose good health has been taken from them.”
But Tom’s first professional pursuit was not law – it was music. He started playing guitar at age 7 and ultimately attended the University of Michigan where he earned degrees in Economics and Jazz Studies. Tom later came to understand the transcendent nature of that education.
“My training as a musician was as important as my education in law school. My music mentors taught me two rules that inform everything I do now as a lawyer: first, there is no substitute for thorough preparation, and, second, those who excel at any craft are those who constantly seek to improve their skills.”
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Tom obtained his law degree from University of Minnesota Law School, graduating magna cum laude. After law school, Tom practiced with a national law firm in Minneapolis, where he represented catastrophically injured individuals and their families. He was then selected to join Minnesota’s premier state prosecution office on a special assignment to prosecute complex financial crimes. In 2013, Tom and his family returned to Michigan to continue the proud tradition of Sinas Dramis Law Firm, which was founded by his grandfather in 1951. Tom, his wife, and two children settled in the Grand Rapids’ historic Heritage Hill neighborhood, and Tom formally opened the firm’s downtown Grand Rapids office. He has tried to verdict civil and criminal cases in several Midwestern states, facilitated multiple million-dollar settlements, and lectured and authored numerous articles on trial practice and substantive law.
Tom is committed to serving the West Michigan community both in and out of the courtroom. He regularly appears on Fox 17’s “Know the Law,” where he discusses legal issues that affect Grand Rapids residents, such as auto no-fault insurance coverage and the dangers of distracted driving. Each year, Tom and his staff coordinate Grand Rapids “Lids for Kids” – a free bicycle helmet fitting and giveaway event. Tom also serves on the Board of Directors at the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI), where he also served as board chair. He has held leadership positions at the Grand Rapids Bar Association and the Kent County Legal Assistance Center. In 2019, Tom won a contested State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners position election where he served West Michigan in the role for several years.
Practice Areas
Grand Rapids car accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, Grand Rapids motorcycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, wrongful death, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, other personal injury cases
Testimonials
My mother was injured in a car accident. She suffered some significant injuries and the insurance company was not helpful. A personal friend suggested that I contact Tom Sinas. Once Tom was involved, her care and treatment dramatically improved and we were able to concentrate on her recovery and not worry about the insurance. I give Tom my highest recommendation.–JACK
I had never been through a lawsuit before and felt very uneasy. Tom always clearly gave me all my options with each step of the suit so that I could make the best decision. He was patient and honest when answering all of my questions. I not only felt that I had a lawyer that was going to help me, but a “friend by my side”.–KATHY
Tom is one of the most professional, compassionate, kind-hearted, diligent, experienced, and resolute professionals you will ever encounter…He and his staff are nothing short of amazing with staying on top of your case and they ALWAYS keep their clients’ best interests at heart…Do yourself and your family a favor and call Tom Sinas if you find yourself in need of a remarkable attorney.–ANGELICA
A Few of Tom’s Notable Results
$7,775,000 – Wrongful death settlement and personal injury settlements for a Michigan family suffering the untimely death of the driver (husband and father two other passengers), serious physical injuries, and psychological trauma as the result of another vehicle turning abruptly in front of the family vehicle.
$7,000,000 – Semi-truck collision resulting in death and serious physical injuries to three adult members of one Michigan family. The tragedy was caused by an inattentive semi-truck driver who made an illegal left turn, causing a violent collision and inflicting enormous harms and losses. Obtaining justice for this family required filing suit in another state against the trucking company.
$5,000,000 – Wrongful death settlement on behalf of a West Michigan family for the suffering and death of a beloved 74-year-old Barry County woman who suffered extensive personal injuries after being struck by a forklift in the parking lot of a local hardware store. The woman was survived by her husband of 51 years, adult daughter, and three grandchildren.
$4,000,000– Auto liability case involving serious and life-altering injuries to a young woman who sustained an injury to her spinal cord. Our firm helped secure a pre-suit settlement by putting together a comprehensive presentation that included a detailed written summary and a documentary-style film with extensive video footage, photographs, radiology images, and interviews with the young woman’s family, friends, and medical professionals.
$1,975,000 -Settlement for Ottawa County man who suffered leg amputation after being struck by a distracted driver. Recovery exceeded the first two layers of primary insurance.
$1,500,000 – Policy limits wrongful death settlement involving tragic death of Thumb Area man who was killed in a dual motor vehicle crash in Huron County.
$1,250,000 – Policy limits personal injury settlement for a West Michigan woman who sustained orthopedic injuries as a result of a crash caused by a drunk driver.
$1,250,000 – Policy limits personal injury settlement for Grand Rapids area bicyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury and visual injury after being struck by a car while on a city sidewalk.
$1,250,000 – Policy limits wrongful death settlement involving tragic death of Ottawa County man who was killed in a dual motor vehicle crash in Grand Rapids.
$1,000,000 – Policy limits settlement of commercial semi-truck case involving injuries to a Grand Rapids area husband and wife.
$750,000 – Auto negligence jury verdict; suit included claims for vehicle owner liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment and negligent hiring/training; 53-year-old plaintiff’s vehicle was t-boned by a taxi cab in Clinton County; cab driver had a history of reckless driving.
Media Appearances and Interviews
While Tom’s expertise extends throughout the state, he is particularly committed to and involved in the communities of West Michigan where he primarily works and lives.
For several years, he has appeared weekly on Fox 17 on a special segment dedicated to legal topics called “Know the Law.”
A few of Tom’s other recent media appearances and interviews:
WTKV Journal in Focus – Tom was interviewed to discuss several unfolding legal developments, including no-fault medical provider changes under the new auto insurance law effective July 1, 2021, the impacts of COVID-19 on the civil justice system, and the conundrum of PIP “choice.”
Grand Rapids lawyer, Tom Sinas, receives two awards of recognition for professional service (2021) – Tom was interviewed on Fox 17’s Morning Mix to discuss his recognition as both a “Top 10 Personal Injury Plaintiff’s Lawyer” in Michigan and the “Best Personal Injury Attorney in Grand Rapids” as voted by readers of the Grand Rapids Magazine.
Michigan personal injury lawyer says new auto insurance law may not save money (2020) – Tom Sinas was interviewed by WZZM 13 and says the cost savings of so-called auto insurance rate reduction following the 2019 reform to Michigan’s auto insurance law remains to be seen.
Law Firm Holds Events to Give Kids Free Bike Helmets (2019) – Up North Live featured Traverse City Lids for Kids and interviewed Tom Sinas.
The No-Fault Reality Tour (2019) – Tom was interviewed by the Steve Gruber Show to weigh in on Michigan’s new no-fault law and discuss the man benefits Michigan residents lost as a result of the reform.
YouTube
Professional Associations
- International Society of Barristers – Fellow, 2023 – Present
- State Bar of Michigan – Past Board of Commissioners Member
- Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) – Board of Directors, 2015 – Present, Past Board Chair 2022 – 2024
- Grand Rapids Bar Association – Former Trustee
- Hillman Advocacy Program – Faculty Member
- Legal Assistance Center – Past President
- Justice Foundation of West Michigan – Past Committee Member
- Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN) – Associate General Counsel
- Michigan Association for Justice – Member
- Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) – Member
- State Bar of Michigan
Education
B.A., University of Michigan – Economics, 2001
B.F.A, University of Michigan – Jazz Studies, 2001
J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, 2006
Admissions
Michigan, 2013
Minnesota, 2006
Awards & Recognition
- “Michigan Go-To Lawyer Power List” – Michigan Lawyers Weekly – 2023
- Michigan’s “Go-To Lawyers” in Negligence Law – Michigan Lawyers Weekly – 2023, 2024
- Best Lawyers in America – 2024
- Best Personal Injury Attorney in Grand Rapids – Grand Rapids Magazine – 2021
- Top 10 Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Lawyer – Leading Lawyers – 2020
- Grand Rapids Top Lawyers – Grand Rapids Magazine, Grand Rapids Business Journal – 2019,2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Michigan Super Lawyers – 2019 – Present
- Michigan Super Lawyers “Rising Star” – 2015 – 2018
- Leading Lawyers, Peer Selected – 2018 – Present
- “Up & Coming Lawyer”, Michigan Lawyers Weekly – 2016
- “Prevention Award”, Brain Injury Association of Michigan – 2016
- Clients’ Choice Award, AVVO – 2014-2016
- Excellence Award, American Association for Justice, New Lawyers Division – 2008
- Best Brief Award, University of Minnesota Law School – 2004
Speaking Engagements
2024
“Third-Party Threshold Litigation,” Institute for Continuing Education No-Fault Institute, April 2024
2023
“Michigan Auto No-Fault Law Update,” Mary Free Bed, Spinal Cord Symposium, September 2023
“Third-Party Threshold Litigation,” Institute for Continuing Education No-Fault Institute, April 2023
2022
“Auto Negligence & Tort Threshold,” Michigan Association of Justice N0-Fault Institute XIX, September 2022
Upper Michigan Legal Institute, June 2022
“Michigan No-Fault Reform,” Michigan Guardianship Association 2022 Spring Conference
“Third-Party Threshold Litigation,” Institute for Continuing Education No-Fault Institute, April 2022
2021
“Auto Negligence/Tort Threshold Update,” MAJ’s No-Fault Institute, October 2021
“The PIP Opt-Out,” MAJ’s No-Fault Institute, October 2021
“Understanding the New Auto No-Fault Law,” MOPA Spring Seminar, June 2021
“No-Fault PIP Choice Options,” MBIPC Auto No-Fault Boot Camp, January 2021
“Third-Party Threshold Litigation,” Institute for Continuing Education No-Fault Institute, April 2021
2020
“PIP Options,” MAJ’s Virtual No-Fault Institute, October 2020
“2020 Changes to Michigan’s Auto Insurance Law” – virtual event cohosted with The Reno Agency, June 2020
“Michigan’s New Auto Insurance Law: The Bottom Line, Town Hall with CPAN, March 2020
Auto No-Fault Presentation, Grand Rapids Round Table, March 2020
“Third-Party Threshold Litigation,” Institute for Continuing Education No-Fault Institute
2019
“Michigan No-Fault Reform: Understanding the Controversy,” People’s Law School
“The Current State of Auto No-Fault Insurance,” BIAMI Fall Conference
“Auto-Owners v. Compass Health,” MBIPC Bootcamp
Auto No-Fault Presentation – shared changes to the state’s no-fault law to Teter Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc.
Auto No-Fault Presentation – explained the new no-fault law to members of CPAN
“Peace at Last? Third-Party Auto 2019 Update,” ICLE No-Fault Summit
2018
“Development and Trial of a Negligent Entrustment Case,” Michigan Association for Justice No-Fault Institute
“Personal Injury Damages,” National Association for Legal Assistants Webinar “Covenant: One Year Later,” Michigan Adjusters Association
“Escape from Litigation Island,” Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault Annual Meeting
“The Ongoing Impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in Admire v Auto-Owners,” Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council 3rd Annual Auto No-Fault Boot Camp
“Workshop on Provider Litigation in the Post-Covenant World,” Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council 3rd Annual Auto No-Fault Boot Camp
“Third-Party Threshold Litigation,” Institute for Continuing Education No-Fault Institute
2017
“How Does Covenant Affect Existing Provider Cases?” Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council 2nd Annual Auto No-Fault Boot Camp
“Provider v. Patient Lawsuits: What Are the Rules?” Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council 2nd Annual Auto No-Fault Boot Camp
“Third-Party Threshold Litigation,” Institute for Continuing Litigation 4th Annual No-Fault Summit
2016
“Proving Life Impact in Threshold Cases: Judicial References and Medical Research,” MAJ No-Fault Institute
“Uber and Other Ridesharing Services,” MAJ No-Fault Institute
“The Enemy Within: Third-Party Mini Update,” Michigan Association for Justice Annual Meeting
“Multiple Threats: Auto No-Fault Law Update,” 31st Annual Western Michigan Brain Injury Network Symposium
“Michigan Auto No-Fault for Medical Professionals,” Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Spinal Cord Symposium
“Third-Party Threshold Litigation,” 3rd Annual No-Fault Summit (ICLE)
The Dire Consequences of D Insurance (SB 288) – 31st Annual Western Michigan Brain Injury
2015
“Intersection: The Sharing Economy and the Law,” NALS Membership Meeting
“Overview of the Michigan No-Fault Law,” MANS Meeting 2015: Navigating a Changing Neurosurgical Landscape
“Auto No-Fault Update,” CPAN Town Hall
“Auto Law 101,” CPAN Advocacy Training Workshop
“Preparing the Medical Professional for a Deposition,” Brain Injury Association of Michigan 2015 Legal Conference
2014
“Rules of the Road: Michigan Auto Law,” People’s Law School
“Admire v. Auto-Owners Ins. Co.,” Michigan Supreme Court Judicial Conference
“The Admire Problem,” Michigan Association for Justice
“Auto Law 101 and Pending No-Fault Legislation,” Mary Free Bed Patient Advocate Advisory Council
“A Legal Analysis of the Admire Problem,” CPAN Admire III Workshop
“Auto Law 101,” “Let Our Voices be Heard” CPAN workshop
2013
“Criminal Law,” People’s Law School
“Racketeering Forfeiture,” Financial Crime Training
“Beyond Admire: Recent Court of Appeals Decisions Regarding the Everyday Living Needs of Catastrophically Injured,” CPAN: Admire II Workshop
2012
“Mortgage and Real Estate Fraud,” Minnesota Sheriff’s Association/Law Enforcement Training Service
2009
“To Answer or Not to Answer: Legal Arguments for and Against Requiring the Jury to Answer the Damage Question,” Minnesota Association for Justice Annual Convention
2008
“Going Back in Time: Using the Internet Archive,” American Association for Justice Mid-Year Convention
Publications
2024
Court of Appeals to Insurers 250,000/500,000 Does Not Equal 50,000/$100,000 – September/October
There is No Free Lunch / Personal Consumption and Wrongful Death – Grand Rapids Lawyer May/June
When Auto Liability Insurers Fail to Seal the Choice of Coverage Deal – Grand Rapids Lawyer March/April
Is That Driver Really Excluded From Auto Liability Coverage? – Grand Rapids Lawyer – January – February
2023
Auto Threshold: Another Year In Review 2023 – Grand Rapids Lawyer – November -December
Can the Law Save Lives? – Grand Rapids Lawyer, September – October
Further Reflections on Motorcycles and No-Fault Priority – Grand Rapids Lawyer, May – June
Auto Threshold Law: Another Year in Review – Grand Rapids Lawyer, January – February
2022
Venue in Multi-Defendant Tort Cases – Grand Rapids Lawyer, November – December
Auto Liability and the Insidious Causation Problem – Grand Rapids Lawyer, September – October
Unclothing the Emperor: Straight Talk from the Michigan Court of Appeals about the “Independent” Medical Examination Fallacy – Grand Rapids Lawyer, May – June
Snowmobiling With Alice in Legal Wonderland – Grand Rapids Lawyer, March – April
Into Thin Air: Medicaid Liens and Personal Injury Settlements – Grand Rapids Lawyer, January-February
2021
Auto Threshold Law: A Year in Review – Grand Rapids Lawyer, November-December
Auto No-Fault Deform: Chapter III – Grand Rapids Lawyer, September-October
Auto Law’s Alphabet Soup: PIP, MACP, and ERISA Health Plans – Grand Rapids Lawyer, May – June
RIP, Bahri – You Will Not Be Missed – Grand Rapids Lawyer, March – April
New Auto Insurance Liability Limits, New Complexities – Grand Rapids Lawyer, January – February
2020
Motorcycles, Company Cars, and the No-Fault “Choice” Fallacy – Grand Rapids Lawyer
“Protecting the Injured: A Summary Guide to the New Auto No-Fault Law” – co-authored with George Sinas and Stephen Sinas, this brochure is an essential resource to those injured in Michigan motor vehicle accidents
Court System, Meet the No-Fault Choice Mess – Grand Rapids Lawyer
The Intersection of Grunge Rock and Auto Liability Threshold Law – Grand Rapids Lawyer
Making Smart Choices: A Summary Guide to the New Auto No-Fault Law” – co-authored with George Sinas and Stephen Sinas, an in-depth guide to consumer choices under the 2019 reformed auto no-fault law
Out of State But Not Out of Mind – Grand Rapids Lawyer
The End of Psychological Exams by No-Fault Insurers – Grand Rapids Lawyer
Written Notice and Statutes of Limitations, Michigan Civil Procedure, 2020 Update to Second Edition
2019
Navigating the Chaos: The New No-Fault Legislation – co-authored with George Sinas and Stephen Sinas
When Chaos Devolves into Anarchy: the Hot Mess of Public Acts 21 and 22 – Grand Rapids Lawyer
You’re Either In or You’re Out: Determining Dependency in Survivor’s Loss Claims – Grand Rapids Lawyer
Auto No-Fault Threshold: Peace At Last? – Grand Rapids Lawyer
Remembering Your No-Fault Priorities – Grand Rapids Lawyer
Don’t Be Fooled by the Insurance Industry’s Shiny Objects – Grand Rapids Business Journal
Remembering Your No-Fault Priorities – Grand Rapids Lawyer
2018
Michigan’s Quirky Expert Deposition Rules, Grand Rapids Lawyer
Notice of a No-Fault Claim: Michigan Supreme Court Chooses Simplicity over Complexity, Grand Rapids Lawyer
New Stirrings in Auto Threshold Law, Grand Rapids Lawyer
Michigan Supreme Court: Insurers Have No Absolute Right to Rescission, Grand Rapids Lawyer
Res Ipsa and Spoliation: A Dangerous Combination, Grand Rapids Lawyer
Written Notice and Statutes of Limitations, Michigan Civil Procedure, Second Edition
2017
Excess Economic Loss in Auto Liability Cases: Remembering the Fundamentals, Grand Rapids Lawyer
Covenant Medical Center v. State Farm: A Sea Change in Michigan’s Auto No-Fault System, Grand Rapids Lawyer
A Midwestern Traveler’s Thoughts on Jury Selection Logistics, Grand Rapids Lawyer
Understanding the Whole Injury, Innovative Health Magazine
Yes, there is a Threshold–And It’s Working, Grand Rapids Lawyer
Adverse Medical Examinations in Personal Injury Cases: Following the Rules, Grand Rapids Lawyer
2016
Kalamazoo shootings should put brakes on Uber’s legislative agenda in Lansing, Bridge Magazine
A New Lifeboat for Medical Providers Adrift in the No-Fault Sea, Grand Rapids Lawyer
A New Frontier in the Wild West of ERISA Litigation, Grand Rapids Lawyer
A Stitch in Time: Supreme Court Softens the One-Year Notice Rule in PIP Cases, Grand Rapids Lawyer
You Are What You Plead: Michigan Supreme Court Clarifies District Courts’ Subject Matter Jurisdiction, Grand Rapids Lawyer
Reasonable Proof: It’s Simpler than You Think, Grand Rapids Lawyer
Beware of the Family ‘Step-Down’ Auto Insurance Clause, Michigan Lawyers Weekly
2015
Abuse of no-fault law happens on both sides, hurts victims, Bridge Magazine
Auto no-fault reform is anti-jobs, anti-free market, anti-Michigan, Grand Rapids Business Journal
When Publication Leads to Clarification, Grand Rapids Lawyer
The Michigan Auto No-Fault Law: Your Rights & Benefits, 8th edition (co-authored with George Sinas and Stephen Sinas)
Michigan Supreme Court Affirm Mind-Body Connection – Grand Rapids Lawyer
Don’t Overlook the Intentional Auto Tort – Grand Rapids Lawyer
Standing Strong: Michigan Court of Appeals Affirms Medical Providers’ Rights to Sue No-Fault Insurers – Grand Rapids Lawyer
2014
There’s One Important Question Left Out of Grand Rapids’ Airbnb Discussion, The Grand Rapids Press/MLive
Uber Raises Public Safety Concerns, Lansing State Journal
A Quick Guide to Michigan No-Fault Law (co-authored with George Sinas)
A Judicially-Created Disqualification from No-Fault Benefits – Grand Rapids Lawyer
A New Trap for the Unwary No-Fault Lawyer – Grand Rapids Lawyer
2013
“Texts, Lies, and Identity Theft: Prosecuting Complex Financial Fraud with Minnesota’s Racketeering Statute”, William Mitchel Law Review
2010
Professionalism in Medicine: A Case-Based Guide for Medical Students (book), contributing author
Damages Questions on the Special Verdict Form, Journal of Minnesota Association for Justice
2008
Using the Internet Archive to Investigate and Strengthen Your Case, Journal of Minnesota Association for Justice
